The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to update its entry and immigration procedures to support international travel, tourism, family visits, and business activities. In 2026, an important development was the expansion of a special entry visa scheme for eligible foreign nationals who hold qualifying residence permits from selected countries.
These updates are particularly relevant for travellers planning to visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. Understanding the latest eligibility requirements can help applicants identify the correct visa category and prepare the necessary documents before travelling.
On 25 June 2026, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the addition of six nationalities to a specific entry visa scheme. The changes also expanded the list of countries whose residence permits can be used to meet the scheme's eligibility conditions.
However, these changes do not mean that every nationality automatically qualifies for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival. Eligibility depends on nationality, qualifying foreign residence documents, passport validity, and the conditions of the relevant visa category.
The major update announced in June 2026 expanded the UAE's special entry visa scheme for nationals of certain countries who reside outside their home countries.
Previously, the scheme covered eligible Indian nationals and their accompanying family members who met the applicable foreign residence document requirements. The revised criteria added six more nationalities and six additional qualifying countries of residence.
According to the official ICP announcement, the newly eligible nationalities are Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa. Indian nationals were already included in the scheme before this expansion.
The list of qualifying countries of residence was also extended. In addition to the United States, European Union member states, and the United Kingdom, the updated scheme recognises qualifying residence permits issued by Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
These changes apply to specific 14-day and 60-day entry visa categories. They do not replace all other UAE tourist visa, visit visa, or residence visa rules.
Travellers should review the official ICP announcement on the expanded eligibility criteria before making travel arrangements.
The June 2026 update introduced additional eligibility for nationals of six countries. Applicants must still meet the applicable residence document and passport conditions.
Indonesian ordinary passport holders may qualify for the special entry visa scheme if they possess an eligible residence permit from one of the approved countries. They must also satisfy the applicable application and travel requirements.
Vietnamese nationals who meet the qualifying foreign residence criteria may apply under the relevant 14-day or 60-day category. Approval depends on meeting the scheme's conditions.
Thai ordinary passport holders may qualify if they hold the required residence documentation from an approved country and satisfy the remaining eligibility criteria.
Filipino nationals residing in an eligible country may be able to use the expanded scheme for a short visit to the UAE. They should confirm that their residence documents meet the official requirements.
Kenyan nationals who hold the required qualifying residence documentation may apply for the relevant entry visa, subject to verification and approval.
South African ordinary passport holders may also qualify under the updated rules when they meet the required foreign residence and other application conditions.
Indian nationals remain covered under the scheme, subject to the applicable requirements.
It is important to understand that citizenship alone does not guarantee eligibility. Applicants must also meet the qualifying residence document conditions. The rules for this special scheme should not be confused with the separate visa on arrival arrangements available to other nationalities.
One of the important changes in 2026 was the expansion of the list of countries whose residence documents can be used to qualify for the special entry visa scheme.
The recognised countries and regions include the United States, European Union member states, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
The precise document accepted depends on the applicant's nationality and the applicable visa category. The official ICP service conditions distinguish between qualifying visas, residence permits, and US Green Cards.
For example, the relevant conditions allow eligible Indian nationals and their family members to qualify using specified valid visas, residence permits, or a US Green Card. For the six newly added nationalities, the official criteria specify qualifying documents issued by the listed countries.
Applicants should not assume that a tourist visa, expired residence permit, or document from an unlisted country will satisfy the requirements. The exact conditions should be checked on the ICP 14-Day Visa Service Page or the relevant 60-day service page.
The expanded scheme provides two entry visa categories, depending on the applicant's eligibility and travel requirements.
The 14-day entry visa allows eligible travellers to stay in the UAE for 14 days from entry. According to the published service conditions, it may be extended once for the same duration, subject to approval and applicable rules.
The published issuance fee is AED 100, with an additional smart services fee of AED 100. Applicants should verify the latest charges before submitting their applications.
This category may be suitable for eligible travellers planning a short visit to the UAE.
The 60-day entry visa allows eligible travellers to stay in the UAE for 60 days from entry. Under the published service conditions, this category is non-extendable.
The published issuance fee is AED 250, with an additional smart services fee of AED 100. These fees should be checked against the official service information before applying.
This category may be suitable for eligible visitors who need a longer permitted stay.
Both categories have conditions regarding the validity of the entry permit before travel and the permitted duration of stay after arrival. Travellers must leave the UAE before their authorised stay expires unless they have obtained a lawful extension or another approved status.
The special scheme is only one part of the UAE's broader entry system. The requirements for other visit and tourist visas depend on nationality, passport type, travel purpose, and the relevant visa category.
Visitors generally need a passport valid for at least six months from their date of entry. Applicants should check the exact passport validity requirement for their visa category before booking travel.
Some nationalities can enter the UAE without obtaining a visa in advance, while others qualify for a visa on arrival. Travellers who do not meet either arrangement generally need to obtain an appropriate visa before travelling.
The UAE Government's official visa eligibility guidance provides information about these categories.
Depending on the visa type, applicants may need passport copies, photographs, qualifying residence documents, accommodation information, travel details, or other supporting records.
Applicants should review the relevant service requirements carefully to ensure that all necessary documents are prepared before submitting an application.
Visitors must follow the conditions of their entry permit. Overstaying can lead to fines and other immigration consequences.
Travellers should check the expiry date of their permit and make arrangements to leave the country or obtain an approved extension where permitted.
Visa on arrival lists and entry conditions can change. Applicants should verify their eligibility with the relevant UAE authority or airline before departure rather than relying only on older online information.
The 2026 entry visa expansion may be relevant to eligible foreign nationals planning short visits to relatives living in the UAE. However, a short-term entry visa and a UAE family residence visa are different immigration categories.
An entry visa allows a qualifying visitor to enter the country and stay for the authorised period. A family residence visa, by contrast, allows an eligible UAE resident to sponsor qualifying family members for residence, subject to the applicable requirements.
For example, a person who qualifies for the special 14-day entry visa may use it for an eligible short visit. This does not automatically grant the right to live in the UAE long term or convert the visitor's status into a residence visa.
Residents planning to bring their spouse or children to live with them should review the separate family sponsorship requirements. These generally include a valid residence status for the sponsor, proof of the family relationship, and applicable financial and accommodation requirements.
Professional Family Visa Services Dubai can help applicants understand the relevant documentation, identify the appropriate application route, and prepare supporting records. The specific documents and procedures depend on the applicant's circumstances and the requirements of the relevant immigration authority.
Before making travel plans, families should establish whether they need a short-term entry visa, a visit visa sponsored by a relative, or a family residence visa.
The application route depends on the applicant's nationality, visa category, and place of residence.
Identify whether you qualify for visa-free entry, a visa on arrival, the special 14-day or 60-day scheme, or a prearranged visit visa.
Collect the required passport, photograph, qualifying residence document, and any other supporting records specified by the relevant service.
Eligible applicants can use the relevant ICP digital service. Other entry permit applications may be available through ICP, GDRFA Dubai, approved service centres, or authorised channels, depending on the visa category.
Check the current government and service charges before completing the application. Fees may differ according to the visa category and the services requested.
Do not assume that an application has been approved simply because it has been submitted. Check the application status and confirm that the entry permit is valid before travelling.
Carry the necessary travel documents and comply with the permitted duration of stay and other conditions stated on the approved visa.
The UAE Government provides further information about where to apply for entry permits and visas.
The UAE's June 2026 entry visa update expanded a specific scheme to include nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa, while recognising additional qualifying countries of residence.
Eligible applicants may access 14-day or 60-day entry visas, depending on the relevant conditions. However, nationality alone does not guarantee eligibility, and these changes should not be confused with general visa-free entry, standard visa on arrival rules, or residence visa arrangements.
Before travelling, verify your passport validity, qualifying residence documents, visa category, fees, and permitted stay through the relevant official authority.
For individuals planning family visits or longer-term relocation, Family Visa Services Dubai can provide guidance on the separate family sponsorship process. Careful preparation and verification of the latest official criteria can help visitors and residents make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary application delays.
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